prof. Mgr. et Mgr. Josef Bryja Ph.D.
Position full-time researcher
Direction molecular ecology
Workplace Research facility Studenec
+420 560 590 601

Research interests
- evolutionary history, phylogeography, speciation, adaptation, phylogeny and systematics (mainly of small mammals),
- biogeography, distribution of biodiversity in Africa,
- molecular ecology of vertebrates (interactions between neutral and adaptive genetic variation, conservation genetics, immunogenetics),
- ecology of mammals (population dynamics, structure of communities).
Running Projects
Finished Projects
Education
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- 1992-1997: undergraduate study in Systematic Zoology and Ecology – Masaryk University in Brno, Faculty of Science. Diploma thesis: Structure of communities of small terrestrial mammals in various habitats of the Protected Landscape Area of Poodří. (MSc.=Mgr.). \n \t
- 1993-1998: undergraduate study in Molecular Biology and Genetics – Masaryk University in Brno, Faculty of Science. Diploma thesis: Preparation of truncated variant of gene coding for RXR alpha and its transfer to monoblast cell line BM2. (MSc.=Mgr.). \n \t
- 1997-2000: Ph.D. study in Zoology – Masaryk University in Brno, Faculty of Science. Ph.D. thesis: Demographic characteristics of the common vole (Microtus arvalis) population in southern Moravia. (PhD.). \n
Employment
\nInstitute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno (IVB):
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- 1997-1998: research assistant, Brno \n \t
- 1998-2009: junior researcher, Department of Population Biology of IVB, Brno and Studenec (responsible for the running of the Laboratory of molecular genetics in Studenec) \n \t
- 2010–2024: senior researcher, head of the Research Facility of IVB in Studenec \n \t
- 2011-2019: scientific secretary of IVB \n \t
- chairman (2012–2022) and vice-chairman (2022–2024) of the IVB Board \n
- 2024–present: director of the Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i. \n
Department of Botany and Zoology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno:
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- 2003-2009: research assistant (part-time) \n \t
- 2009–2021: associate professor (part-time), Lectures: Molecular ecology, Genetic methods in zoology, Advances in zoology of vertebrates, supervising of M.Sc. and Ph.D. students. \n
- 2021–present: professor (part-time) \n
International experience
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- 2004-2006: postdoctoral fellow, Centre de Biologie et Gestion des Populations, Montferriez sur Lez, France (projects on wildlife immunogenetics). \n \t
- short visits and invited lectures at research institutes in France, Poland, Denmark, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Slovenia, Romania, etc., \n \t
- numerous field expeditions in Africa, more than 1 year in total (Senegal, Mozambique, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Madagascar). \n \t
- 2009-2013: Member of the consortium ConGRESS (Conservation of Genetic Resources for Effective Species Survival), 7th Framework Programme of EC; 2012 – organization of two international workshops on conservation genetics (Slovakia, Hungary). \n \t
- 2018 - CIBIO-InBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Porto, Portugal (guest researcher, 6 months) \n \t
- 2019 - university course of Molecular Ecology at Mekelle University (Ethiopia) \n \t
- 2019 - main organizer of the 13th African Small Mammal Symposium in Ethiopia \n
Selected current collaborations
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- University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice, Czech Republic (R. Šumbera) \n \t
- Centre de Biologie et Gestion des Populations, Montferrier sur Lez, France (M. Galan, N. Charbonnel, L. Granjon, G. Dobigny, C. Brouat) \n \t
- Muséum national d´Histoire naturelle, Paris, France (V. Nicolas, C. Denys) \n \t
- University of Antwerps, Belgium (H. Leirs) \n \t
- Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, USA (J. Kerbis Peterhans, T. Demos, A. Ferguson) \n \t
- Royal Belgian Institute for Natural Sciences, Brussels, Belgium (E. Verheyen) \n \t
- Pest Management Centre, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania (R. Makundi, A. Massawe) \n \t
- Mekelle University, Ethiopia (Y. Meheretu) \n \t
- A.N.Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution RAS, Moscow, Russia (L. Lavrenchenko) \n \t
- CIBIO-InBIO – Research Centre in Biodiversity and Genetic Resources, Porto, Portugal (Z. Boratynski) \n
Other scientific activities
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- reviewer for numerous scientific journals and science foundations \n \t
- member of MSc and PhD committees in the Czech Republic and abroad \n \t
- main organizer of every-year Czech National Zoological Congress "Zoologické dny" \n \t
- associate editor in Frontiers in Zoology (2019–2025), Mammalia (2019–present), Journal of Vertebrate Biology (2019–present) \n
- supervisor or consultant of 32 bachelor’s, 28 master’s, and 22 PhD students at Masaryk University Brno, University of South Bohemia, Palacký University Olomouc, Silesian University Opava, and others \n
Actual Ph.D. students
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- Brosseau-Acquaviva Laura: Delimitation of Sudanian savanna phyloregions using rodents as a model group. \n \t
- Mulualem Getachew: Evolution of rodent biodiversity in Eastern Afromontane Biodiversity Hotspots. \n \t
- Králová Tereza: The effect of life histories on the variation of immune genes in passerines – a comparative approach. (co-supervised by T. Albrecht and M. Vinkler) \n \t
- Dianat Malahatosadat: Evolution of old placental lineages: insectivorous mammals in the Afrotropics. (co-supervised by A. Konečný) \n
Former Ph.D. students
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- Mizerovská Daniela, 2023: Evolution at steep elevational gradients: assessing the role of genetic and ecological factors in speciation process. Masaryk University, Brno. \n \t
- Turbaková Barbora, 2023: Conservation genetics of European lynx in Central Europe. Masaryk University, Brno. \n \t
- Krásová Jarmila, 2023: Diversity and phylogeny of East African montane rodents. České Budějovice. (co-supervised by R. Šumbera) \n \t
- Těšíková Jana, 2022: Diversity and evolutionary history of selected rodent-borne viruses. Masaryk University, Brno. (co-supervised J. Göuy de Bellocq) \n \t
- Hánová Alexandra, 2021: Factors affecting population genetic structure of rodents in savannahs. Masaryk University, Brno. (co-supervised A. Konečný) \n \t
- Mazoch Vladimír, 2019: Phylogeography of small mammals in the Zambezian savannahs. University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice. (co-supervised by R. Šumbera) \n \t
- Bartáková Veronika, 2018: The effects of non-native species on host-parasite relationships. Masaryk University, Brno. (co-supervised by M. Reichard) \n \t
- Aghová Tatiana, 2018: Comparative phylogeography of the Somali-Maasai region in eastern Africa using selected rodent species as a model. Masaryk University, Brno. (co-supervised by R. Šumbera) \n \t
- Čížková Dagmar, 2015: Major histocompatibility complex variation in the house mice hybrid zone. Masaryk University, Brno. \n \t
- Wasimuddin, 2014: Genetic variation of selected pathogens in the house mouse hybrid zone. Masaryk University, Brno. (co-supervised by J.Gouy de Bellocq and J. Piálek) \n \t
- Zemanová Barbora, 2014: Genetic structure of chamois populations in Central Europe. Masaryk University, Brno. \n \t
- Fornůsková Alena, 2013: Genes of innate immunity and their significance in evolutionary ecology of free living rodents. Masaryk University Brno and Université Montpellier II. (co-supervised by J.F. Cosson) \n \t
- Patzenhauerová-Konvičková Hana, 2013: Bathyergid rodents of mesic tropical regions: Phylogeography, kinship structure and mating systems. Masaryk University, Brno. \n \t
- Promerová Marta, 2011: Major histocompatibility complex genes: their variation and impact on fitness in a socially monogamous passerine. Masaryk University, Brno. (co-supervised by T. Albrecht) \n \t
- Poláková Radka, 2011: The effect of genetic factors on reproductive success in a socially monogamous songbird. Masaryk University, Brno. (co-supervised by T. Albrecht). \n \t
- Říčanová Štěpánka, 2011: Phylogeography and conservation genetics of the European ground squirrel. University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice. (co-supervised by F.Sedláček) \n \t
- Konečný Adam, 2009: Consequences of anthropogenic changes on rodent communities and populations: study cases on native and introduced species in Eastern Senegal. Masaryk University, Brno and Université Montpellier II. (co-supervised by J.M. Duplantier and J.F. Cosson) \n \t
- Hájková Petra, 2008: Conservation genetics of the Eurasian otter. Masaryk University, Brno. (co-supervised by P.Jurajda) \n
Publications and Applied outputs
2026
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
Horníček J, Menclová P, Popelková A, Rymešová D, Zárybnická M, Bryja J, Svobodová J (2017).
Microsatellite analysis detects low rate of extra-pair paternity in Tengmalm’s owl, Aegolius funereus. Folia zoologica.
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
Bryja J, Mazoch V, Patzenhauerová H, Mateke C, Zima Jr. J, Šklíba J, Šumbera R (2012).
Revised occurrence of rodents from the tribe Praomyini (Muridae) in Zambia based on mitochondrial DNA analyses: implications for biogeography and conservation. Folia zoologica.
Poláková R, Schnitzer J, Vinkler M, Bryja J, Munclinger P, Albrecht T (2012).
Effect of extra-pair paternity and parental quality on brood sex ratio in the scarlet rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus. Folia zoologica.
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
Bryja J, Kment P (2007).
True bugs (Heteroptera) of the Bukovské vrchy Hills (Poloniny National Park, Slovakia). Acta Musei Moraviae. Scientiae biologicae = Časopis Moravského muzea. Vědy biologické, iScientiae biologicae.
2006
Bencová V, Kašpar T, Bryja J (2006).
Sezónní a meziroční změny skladby potravy kalouse ušatého (Asio otus) na jižní Moravě. Tichodroma, 18: 65-71.
Kment P, Bryja J (2006).
Revised occurrence of Heterotoma species (Heteroptera: Miridae) in the Czech Republic and Slovakia with remarks on nomenclature, diagnostic characters and ecology. Acta Musei Moraviae. Scientiae biologicae = Časopis Moravského muzea. Vědy biologické, iScientiae biologicae.
Tóthová A, Bryja J, Bejdák P, Vaňhara J (2006).
Molecular markers used in phylogenetic studies of Diptera with a methodological overview. Acta Universitatis Carolinae, Biologica, 50: 125-133.
2005
Kment P, Bryja J, Hradil K, Jindra Z (2005).
New and interesting records of true bugs (Heteroptera) from the Czech Republic and Slovakia 3. Klapalekiana, 41: 157-213.
Kment P, Bryja J, Jindra Z (2005).
New records of true bugs (Heteroptera) of the Balkan peninsula. Acta entomologica slovenica, 13: 9-20.
2004
Hájková P, Zemanová B, Hájek B, Roche K, Kučerová M, Bryja J, Zima J (2004).
Stanovenie početnosti a štruktúry populácie vydry riečnej (Lutra lutra) neinvazívnou genetickou metódou - správa o prebiehajúcom výskumnom projekte. Bulletin Vydra, 12001.
Hájková P, Hájek B, Zemanová B, Roche K, Toman A, Bryja J (2004).
Genetická variabilita a populačno-genetická štruktúra subpopulácií vydry riečnej (Lutra lutra) v výskumnom projekte Českej a Slovenskej republike. Bulletin Vydra, 12001.
2003
Jánová E, Heroldová M, Bryja J, Tkadlec E (2003).
Metodické problémy při určování stáří hlodavců na základě hmotnosti očních čoček. Lynx.
Kment P, Bryja J, Jindra Z, Hradil K, Baňař P (2003).
New and interesting records of true bugs (Heteroptera) from the Czech Republic and Slovakia 2. Klapalekiana, 39: 257-306.
2002
Bartonička T, Řehák Z, Wolf P, Bryja J (2002).
Drobní savci CHKO Litovelské Pomoraví. Část 1. Netopýři - Chiroptera. Lynx.
Bryja J, Kment P (2002).
New and interesting records of plant bugs (Heteroptera: Miridae) from the Czech and Slovak Republics. Klapalekiana, 38: 1-10.
Bryja J, Řehák Z (2002).
Další doklady současné expanze areálu myšice temnopásé (Apodemus agrarius) na Moravě. Lynx.
Bryja J, Řehák Z, Vermouzek Z, Wolf P, Bartonička T (2002).
Drobní savci CHKO Litovelské Pomoraví. Část 2. Hmyzožravci a hlodavci - Insectivora et Rodentia. Lynx.
Bryja J, Kment P, Hradil K (2002).
Ploštice (Heteroptera) Rokytenských slepenců. Přírodovědný sborník Západomoravského muzea v Třebíči=Acta Scientiarum Naturalium Musei Moraviae Occidentalis, 40: 33-60.
Konečný A, Bryja J (2002).
Hmyzožravci a hlodavci v ČR - souhrn nepublikovaných faunistických dat z diplomových prací obhájených na Přírodovědecké fakultě MU v Brně. Lynx.
Kula E, Bryja J (2002).
Comparison of various sampling methods for evaluation of biodiversity of true bugs (Heteroptera) in a birch forest. Ekológia, 21: 137-147.
2001
Bryja J, Heroldová M, Zejda J (2001).
Drobní zemní savci (Insectivora, Rodentia) vrcholových partií Moravskoslezských Beskyd. Časopis Slezského zemského muzea., iSérie A: Vědy přírodní.
Bryja J, Beneš B (2001).
The harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) in the mountains of the Czech Republic. Časopis Slezského zemského muzea., iSérie A: Vědy přírodní.
Bryja J, Kment P (2001).
The present state of knowledge of true bugs (Heteroptera) in the Protected Landscape Area of Poodří (Czech Republic). Klapalekiana, 37: 1-36.
Kment P, Bryja J (2001).
New and interesting records of true bugs (Heteroptera) from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Klapalekiana, 37: 231-248.
Lososová Z, Danihelka J, Chytrý M, Hluchý M, Vítek P, Marek J, Škorpík M, Bezděk J, Průdek P, Poisel J, Lauterer P, Bagar M, Kment P, Bryja J, Janšta P (2001).
Předběžné výsledky monitoringu biodiverzity vinic a přilehlých lesostepních lokalit CHKO Pálava a NP Podyjí. Thayensia, 4: 205-208.
2000
Bryja J, Zukal J (2000).
Small mammal communities in newly planted biocorridors and their surroundings in southern Moravia (Czech Republic). Folia zoologica.
Bryja J, Kula E (2000).
A novel multiple approach to the biodiversity evaluation - example of the fractionated community of bugs Heteroptera). Ekológia, 19: 225-244.
1999
Bryja J, Zemanová K, Šmarda J (1999).
Antileukemické účinky proteinu RXR. Klinická biochemie a metabolismus, 7: 17.
Bryja J (1999).
Nejvýše položený nález myšice temnopásé (Apodemus agrarius Pallas, 1771) na území České republiky. Časopis Slezského zemského muzea., iSérie A: Vědy přírodní.
1998
Bryja J, Řehák Z (1998).
Community of small terrestrial mammals (Insectivora, Rodentia) in dominant habitats of the Protected Landscape Area of Poodří (Czech Republic). Folia zoologica.
Bryja J, Řehák Z (1998).
Drobní savci CHKO Poodří a blízkého okolí: 1. Insectivora, Rodentia. Časopis Slezského zemského muzea., iSérie A: Vědy přírodní.
Bryja J, Řehák Z (1998).
Diet composition of two owl species in the Odra river floodplain (Czech Republic). Buteo, 10: 97-102.
Řehák Z, Bryja J (1998).
Drobní savci CHKO Poodří a blízkého okolí: 2. Chiroptera. Časopis Slezského zemského muzea., iSérie A: Vědy přírodní.
